The Placencia Breeze July 2018

A FREE monthly tourism and community newspaper by the Placencia BTIA serving the Placencia Peninsula in Stann Creek, Belize since 1999.

Placencia Road Smooth as Ever Starting in February 2018, construction workers contracted through the Government of Belize have been busy paving the section of the Placencia Road that had become ridden with pot holes starting from the Placencia Village airstrip and stretching towards the southern end of the Peninsula. A sidewalk funded through donations and The Placencia Village Council joins the enhancement effort, and a traffic plan is underway as speeding becomes a growing concern.

By JOLIE POLLARD

Placencia Village now boasts a newly paved and wider asphalt road. Prior to improvement efforts that started in February, those traveling down the 16-mile long Peninsula would enjoy a smooth ride until they met the unpleasant pothole minefield south of the Placencia airstrip.

As traffic grew with daily

truck deliveries and motor vehicles of all types joining pedestrians and cyclists, young and old, residents grew wary of the dangers posed by the holes that riddled the road southward to the Placencia Municipal Pier.

According to Placencia Village Council (PVC) Chairwoman Ilsa Villanueva, she relayed these concerns directly to the See PAVED ROAD on page 28

Eric Foreman joins PVC Placencia Lobsterfest Fishing Tournament Organizer Nadia Westby and "Largest Lobster" BZ$200 sponsor Harold Wallen with the winning crustacean caught with boat "Bait" team who also won the BZ$500 prize for "Largest Jack."

New sidewalk joins road improvements.

Above, left: Young cancer survivor Kai Parham gets a little help from the Battle Cancer Walk/Run organizer Raquel Battle during the early morning of the first day of the Placencia Lobsterfest along with Deborah Vernon. Above, right: Mile 41 provides live reggae music throughout Saturday and Sunday. They joined several other entertainers in putting an unforgettable show for Lobsterfest fans. [LOOK INSIDE! We've rounded up the best shots from Marion and Ed Carr of Muzamanzie Photographs covering the milestone event!]

Fishermen aboard boat "Fish Frenzy" lived up to their team's name raking in the grand BZ$4K first place prize and also collecting the BZ$600 "Largest Extraordinary Fish for their winning wahoo.

For the Complete LOBSTERFEST RECAP, see pages 19, 25 and 29!

The Placencia Breeze

Page 2

INSIDE Obituaries ... pg. 3

New Rotary Scholars Announced; Seven Graduate from High School ... pg. 5 Novel Noni Fruit ... pg. 6 Kaina Martinez to Host Track and Field Games in August ... pg. 7 Croc Corner ... pg. 7 Fragments of Hope Updates ... pg. 9 Placencia's Eldest Living Woman, Emma Westby, Shares Stories of Times and New ... pg. 11 Placencia BTIA Membership Listing ... pages 15 and 18

JULY 2018 Placencia Peninsula MAP ... pages 16-17 LOBSTERFEST PICTORIAL ... pgs.

19, 25 and 29

July 2018

5K Run/Walk Fundraiser for the Future Seine Bight Garifuna Museum of History and Culture

The Seine Bight Reservoir to Museum Foundation, a registered non-profit organization in Belize, is hosting its third annual 5km+ Run / Walk.

Placencia Peninsula Guide ... pgs. 22-23

The Seine Bight Reservoir to Museum Foundation was established in July 2014 to spearhead the transformation of the historic village water reservoir in Seine Bight Village into a local Garifuna cultural and historical museum.

LA Doctor and Husband Bring Medical Team to Belize ... pg. 26

When / Start: 5km+ Run / Walk Saturday, August 25, 6 a.m.

Belize Ocean Club's Philanthropic Program Donation Stuns PHS ... pg. 26

Where: Start at Rocky Point Inn at the former gym in Maya Beach (mile 15.5) and finish at the site of the future Seine Bight Museum of Garifuna Culture and History.

[The museum site is located on the seaside of the main road north of Vern's Restaurant in Seine Bight Village]

People Needing Service Dogs Deserve Your Empathy ... pg. 27 Community Contacts & Info ... pg. 31 Peninsula Happenings ... pg. 32

Fill Community Gaps Presents: Murder in Margaritaland! A Fundraiser!

20 Spots Available! BZ$50 per spot!

Where: The Green Parrot Beach Resort!

When: Friday, July 27, 2018 at 4 p.m.

Join us for an evening and of chaos and fun in the Caribbean! Proceeds to support Maya Beach Police motorcycle fund and the Placencia Peninsula medical needs. RESERVE YOUR MURDER MYSTERY CHARACTER NOW! Contact Deb Coston at 624-6483 or e-mail debcoston@yahoo.com to sign up!

Food and drinks available for purchase! (No outside refreshments allowed.)

You'll be searching for more than your long lost shaker and salt.

Thank you for picking up your FREE copy of THE PLACENCIA BREEZE! PUBLISHER: The Placencia Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (Placencia BTIA) DISTRIBUTION: The Placencia Breeze is available free of charge at the Placencia Tourism Center, Maya Island Air, guesthouses, restaurants and bars, gift shops, banks and other businesses on the Placencia Peninsula.

The Placencia Breeze has a print circulation of 1,500, as well as a large online web audience.

EDITOR IN CHIEF & LAYOUT DESIGNER: Jolie Pollard, pollard.jolie@gmail.com

Registration Fees: BZ$20 (Students) BZ$35 (Adults) Registration includes: - A T-shirt (must register by Saturday, August 18 to ensure a T-shirt on race day) - A custom finisher's medal at the finish line - Refreshments and a Garifuna cultural performance at the finish line Registration is available online at: https://goo.gl/jnYxSD You can also visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/242375306310469/ Registration forms are also available at Gee-Pee's Internet Cafe in Seine Bight (Mile 19 road marker) and at ICB Insurance Seine Bight (Across from Seine Bight Football Field).

5k Run / Walk Agenda: Continuous Registration at: Gee-Pee's Internet Cafe, Seine Bight, Belize (Mile 19 marker) ICB Insurance, Seine Bight, Belize (Across from Seine Bight Football Field) Saturday, August 25: 5:00 - 5:45 a.m. - Late registration at Rocky Point Inn 5:15 a.m. - Ritchie's Bus participant pickup in Placencia 5:30 a.m. - Ritchie's Bus participant pickup in Seine Bight 5:40 a.m. - Runners dropped off at Rocky Point Inn, Start Line in Maya Beach 5:55 a.m. - Welcome and Belize National Anthem 6:00 a.m. - 5km Run / Walk Start!

7:30 a.m. - Start of Garifuna cultural performance and display at the finish line Free transportation to the start line in Maya Beach courtesy of the Ritchie's Bus Service.

Support the drive to transform the historic water reservoir in Seine Bight into a local museum of Garifuna History and Culture! All proceeds go directly to the registered non-profit Seine Bight Reservoir to Museum Foundation to assist with the completion of the construction of the museum.

We look forward to your presence!

VOLUNTEER PHOTOGRAPHERS: Marion and Ed Carr of Muzamanzie Photographs muzamanzie@gmail.com ADVERTISING OFFICERS: Jenria Lozano, director@placencia.com Natasha Eiley, accounts@placencia.com PRINTER: Norman’s Printing, Belize City, Belize The Placencia Breeze The Placencia Tourism Center, Placencia Village, Stann Creek, Belize. Phone: 523- 4045 PLACENCIA BTIA BOARD: Jodie Yearwood Leslie, Chairperson Salvador Zabaneh Elysia Dial Arreini Palacio Morganr Wendy Lemus Gillian Zabaneh Shelly Pollard Christopher Rothing

(Advert sponsored by the Placencia BTIA)

Notice from the Elections and Boundaries Department

Beginning July 1, 2018 every registered elector in Belize needs to be registered afresh, and any other person who has not yet registered to vote can apply to be registered.

Qualifications: Must be at least 18 years old; a citizen of Belize or a citizen of any commonwealth country who has ordinarily resided in Belize for a period of not less than 12 months; and must be a resident for a period not less than two months in the electoral division where registration is being sought.

For more details on the application process contact the Placencia Village Council at 523-3396.

Register or Re-Register at the Placencia Community Center from July 30 to Aug. 4, 2018, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. or on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Page 3

Remembering our Placencia Friends

George "Judj" Eiley, Well-known Placencia Village Musician, Karaoke Star and Fisherman, Passes at 63

By LAVERN MOORE

G

eorge Alston Eiley known by his nickname, "Judj," was born in Placencia on March 28, 1955.

He was the ninth of 13 children to Mr. Herbert and Mrs. Dorothy Eiley. He attended St. John's Memorial Anglican Primary School in Placencia Village where he lived his entire life. Like his ancestors before him, he was a fisherman by trade and loved the sea.

at it. As a matter of fact, his sister-in-law Betty used to enjoy watching him play.

She said he made her laugh because he kicked the other players more than he did the ball.

George "Judj" Alston Eiley

He was, however, a darn good musician.

He taught himself how to play both the drums and the guitar and became a member of "The Ugly Ducklings" band that later changed their name to "The Rejects." In 1985 he traveled to perform with the group in New Orleans.

On Feb. 14, 1978 at March 28, 1955 - June 19, 2018 the age of 22 and just months before his Judj smiles on set of his son's music video. The birthday, he married beloved villager who was known to make people Rosalind McFadz- laugh, succumbed to heart failure. (Photo: SARAH ALY) At about the age of ean a teacher at St. 30, he leased a caye, John's who most in which he named "AbJudj was known and loved Placencia know as "Teacha by many, many people. Es- igale." He really enjoyed his Rosie." This union proved pecially dear to him were island and finally got a title to be a blessing to Judj as it his grandchildren. Whenever for it a few years before his gave him a loving, faithful you happened to meet him, passing. When I returned wife and great mother to his you were certain of one from the United States of children, but it was a bless- thing: You would laugh be- America many years ago, ing to the village of Placen- fore you left him. If laughter he took me to his caye, and I cia, as she is considered to is indeed the best medicine, asked him if he caught many be one of the best and most then he helped many peo- fish in the area. His reply was beloved teachers who ever ple live a healthier life. He that the fish around Abigale,, walked through the doors of enjoyed sports and played were so plentiful that he ofSt. John's. football, but never excelled See JUDJ OBIT. on page 10

Gone Too Soon: In Memory of Mauricio Palma and Alex Duncan Mauricio Palma Jan. 13, 1990 - June 20, 2018

Alex Duncan May 26, 1997 - June 20, 2018

Mauricio, or as his friends called him, "Palma" and Alex worked together in the Placencia service industry before their untimely exit after a fatal traffic accident on June 20. Palma's dedicated work ethic, sense of humor and charm and Alex's big smiles, warm greetings and expert cooking skills will always be remembered by their loved ones, friends and colleagues.

Juan Caducio Dec. 7, 1944 - May 13, 2018 Juan Caducio and son Alex Caducio spend time together in California. Juan mysteriously passed in Placencia waters during one of his usual solo fishing outings in May.

Son Shares Memories of Larger than Life Village Personality, Juan Caducio

By ALEX CADUCIO

E

very once in a lifetime, you may meet a person that has the ability to illuminate a room with a smile, change frowns to laughter and uplift spirits that have been saddened. That was my father Juan Caducio.

I always perceived my father as a chameleon in the sense that he can get along in any environment. He could be hanging out with 80 year olds playing cards or helping to babysit several kids. His personality granted him the privilege to harmonize in any setting.

Although my dad was stubborn at times and would have fall outs with people (including me) he − for the most part − loved everyone in the village.

His very talkative nature even earned him the nickname “gombompa” in the Eiley neighborhood.

Let me further illustrate how great of a father he was to me. My father enrolled me in soccer and baseball as soon as I turned five. For 10 straight years, he was the team coach for all my teams. He was honestly dedicated to making sure he could improve every kid's skills. When I began to skateboard, he built me and my buddies three skateboard ramps. I recall

that being a huge surprise for me to see those ramps.

It came to the point where my buddies were hanging out more with my dad than me. As I started to approach college age, he was there for me whenever I needed him. I could not have received my degree without his help.

When my wife and I began having children, it somehow gave him a second wind and rejuvenated his life for now, he had a reason to get healthy in order to watch his grandbabies grow up.

The grieving process has been tough for our family.

Just the mere fact we will never hear his voice again or get one of those trademarked bear hugs where you can feel the love and energy ... that will be sorely missed.

I personally would like to thank the village for all the support. I love hearing all the great Juan stories, and they absolutely lift my spirits. I would like to thank all those that went looking for my dad at sea that night, and the search team that found him the next morning. I have no words to explain how much finding him meant to our family, as it provided See JUAN OBIT. on page 10

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The Placencia Breeze

July 2018

Page 5

New Rotary Scholars Announced; Seven Graduate from High School

By JEFF WHITE Press Contributor The Rotary Club of Placencia jjeffwhite@gmail.com

June of every year is a very exciting and proud time for the Rotary Club of Placencia. This is when we get to see the results of the hard work the Rotary Scholarship students put in as they graduate. It is also the time when we award the new Rotary Scholarships to the next group of students. Equally proud are the organizers of the annual End of the World Marathon who make it possible with proceeds from the December event funding these life-changing opportunities.

This year the Independence High School graduation ceremony took place on June 9 and as always, was a very enjoyable and well-presented event. In order to graduate with honours, a student must maintain a minimum GPA of 80%. This impressive goal was achieved by six of the seven graduating Rotary High School Scholarship students. We wish all the graduates the best of luck as they pursue their careers.

2018 Rotary Graduates: Kenny Ruano Science Tract (Honours) Aliyah Hernandez Tourist Tract (Honours) Tyrck Shal Tourist Tract (Honours) Shauzzy Augustine Tourist Tract (Honours) Wanigle Ogaldez Science Tract Rafaine Caliz Science Tract (Honours) Kevin Salazar Science Tract (Honours)

This year, the Rotary Club of Placencia was extremely pleased to award eight new high school scholarships to extremely deserving students. The scholarship awarded will assist each student for her/his entire high school period, as long as s/ he maintains certain requirements. We wish them the best of luck in their studies.

2018 New Rotary High School Scholars: Demera Neal - first year Deon Augustine - first year Deanna Williams - first year Linda Cazin Burrow and Margaret Smyth of the Rotary Club of Placencia join St. John's Memorial Aiden Rudon - first year Anglican Primary School Principal Mrs. Roland with the presentation of Rotary High School ScholAlima Ferrel - first year arships to Demera Neal, Alina Ferrel, Sasha Lopez and Aiden Rudon.

Sasha Lopez - first year Jade Torres - first year Sakoiah Ziegler - second year If a student is interested in applying for a Rotary Club of Placencia Scholarship for 2019, the application process will start next spring and will be facilitated by the students' teachers.

Separately, many Rotary Clubs, worldwide, are assisting financially to the relief efforts in the wake of Left: Jade Torres of Peninsula International Academy presented with scholarship. Right: St. Alphonus the Fuego Volcano eruption. Roman Catholic Primary School teacher, Mr. Palacio, joins in with presentation of awards to his This is especially true in students, Deanna Williams and Deon Augustine.

Belize and Honduras. We, along with Guatemala clubs form Rotary District 4250, and we have a tight bond within the District. The Rotary Club of Placencia has proudly forwarded Emergency Relief Funds. This money and aid can then be allotted to the most important areas of need. As this is a very dynamic situation, obviously, these needs are constantly changing. Our District Governor, Julio Grazioso, and his See ROTARY SCHOLARS, pg. 6

Rotary Club of Placencia high school scholarship recipients graduate from Independence High School. Left to right starting from top row: Aliyah Hernandez, Tourist Tract (Honours); Kenny Ruano, Science Tract (Honours); Kevin Salazar, Science Tract (Honours); Rafaine Caliz, Science Tract (Honours); Shauzzy Augustine, Tourist Tract (Honours); Tyrck Shal, Tourist Tract (Honours) and Wanigle Ogaldez, Science Tract.

The Placencia BTIA congratulates all our Peninsula students who graduated this year!

Onwards and upwards!

The Placencia Breeze

Page 6

July 2018

Rotary Scholars From the

Fire Hearth Your expert guide to all things edible in Belize.

Novel Noni Fruit appropriate choice as both fruit are in the same family of plants. The fruits exude a strong almost overpowering aroma, a tantalizing combination of sweaty socks and ripe cheeses, giving it the nickname “cheese fruit” in some parts of the world. This

By LYRA SPANG, PhD smell is caused by butyric Owner, anthropologist acid, which, not surprisingly, and tour guide is found in milk and cheese Taste Belize Tours (and also vomit). Because of tastebelize@gmail.com its disagreeable smell even in their native range in the alking along the Pacific, noni fruit are usualnorth end of the ly consumed only in times Placencia side- of famine or for medicinal walk and elsewhere in the purposes. village you might notice a shrub with large shiny green Polynesian herbalists have leaves and strange greenish used noni fruit, leaves and yellow fruit that look like roots in healing treatments Picasso’s rendition of a po- for thousands of years. Scitato. When fully ripe the entific research on the plant fruit turns almost translucent in the last 20 years revealed ivory yellow and drops off that there are more than 160 the tree, getting softer and bioactive molecules in noni, more aromatic as it lays in including alkaloid comthe soft sand. pounds and polysaccharides

W

This is the famous Noni plant (Morinda citrifolia), which is native to South East Asia and Australasia but widely naturalized across the Caribbean. It is often found growing on islands and along the beach as it is highly salt tolerant and can thrive even in very poor and saline soils.

Noni has many names including beach mulberry, an

containing high levels of antioxidants. In the 1990s the noni fruit was introduced to the American market as an exotic supplement and has received a lot of attention there and elsewhere for its purported health benefits, including cancer fighting, immune system boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. The fruit and dam-

nacanthal, a chemical compound extracted from the roots, are being studied in the context of anti-cancer research, with encouraging but inconclusive results to date. Noni puree and concentrated juice has been found to destroy inflammation causing proteins and reduce inflammation related pain in rats. There are now hundreds of companies offering a full spectrum of noni products from fruit leathers and juices to supplement capsules.

Noni fruit has a high potassium content and for this reason and should be avoided by people with kidney problems who are trying to restrict potassium intake. The brave may try eating a fruit; they are edible despite the smell.

The fruit is widely consumed in Placencia in the form of a fermented juice as a daily medicinal tonic. If you want to try some for yourself, you can buy a bottle of Ms. Goodies' high quality locally made noni juice at the Belizean Flavours shop on Placencia’s main road.

Ripe and soft fruit can also blended along with the seeds and sieved for a fresh juice that some research argues may be even more potent and beneficial than its more See NONI, pg. 7

2nd place, $100, Enzo Continued from page 5 3rd place, $75, Laurna Bennett 4th place, $50, Nate and Beth capable team are working 5th place, $25, Chris Salmon tirelessly to make sure the funds are appropriately The total proceeds are donatand fairly distributed. ed to the Placencia Volunteer There are many relief ef- Fire Department. We would forts being done, which, like to thank everyone who we strongly support. If supported them. anyone wants to donate cash to this effort, below Please remember that every is a trusted destination for Friday at 6 p.m. at the Flyfunds. ing Pig, the Rotary Club of www.rotaryermite.org/ donate To finish off the month, the Rotary Club of Placencia held its annual Rubber Duck Race as part of Lobsterfest. It was a hotly contested race with the final results being: 1st place, $250, Francis Becker

Placencia hosts Bingo. You could win the $500 jackpot!

Rotary meetings take place at 12:30 p.m. every Tuesday at the Pickled Parrot. We are always looking for new members to join our team, so stop by! For our latest projects, visit our Facebook page: https://facebook.com/ groups/148415468569707/▪

Above: Rotarians begin the rubber duck race fundraiser at Lobsterfest. Below: Sandy Johnson records the winners.

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Aspiring Seine Bight Olympians Just Got Bonus Training Time! Kaina Martinez to host Games in August

By BRAD STRACENER Contributing Writer bjstrace27@yahoo.com

What could be better than participating in the Sixth Annual Kaina Martinez Track and Field Games (KMTFG) this year? How about a little extra time to train.

The games will be held August 11-12 this year, about a month later than usual. Need to widen last year’s jump?

Knock a few seconds off the 800-meter? Or add another 10 yards to your softball throw? You have a few more weeks to work on your goals, whatever they might be.

Kaina jumps into a group selfie at the end of last year's games in July.

motivation,” she added. “If sports could do that for me, I (figured) it can do the same for other young people.”

Youth up and down the Placencia Peninsula should be watching for more details about registration, to be held a few days before the KMTFG in front of the new Publics Supermarket and similar locations. ▪

Noni is widely consumed on the Placencia Peninsula for its purported health benefits.

Continued from page 5

popular fermented preparation. The pulp makes a rejuvenating and lightly exfoliating smelly face mask.

There is some evidence that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the plant may help skin to become more firm and elastic. While most research on the medicinal properties of the leaves, roots and fruits

CRC Promotes Croc Education at Placencia Lobsterfest

By GRECIA MENDEZ Program Coordinator Crocodile Research Coalition program.coordinator@ crcbelize.org

She credits her life experience—and a cadre of willing volunteers—for her motivation to organize the track and field event held on the Seine Who knows? Your entry may Bight field each year. be the start of something as astounding as that which “Sports has done a lot for happened to Seine Bight’s me,” notes Kaina, commonown Kaina Martinez in 2012. ly referred to as the fastest She represented her country woman in Belize. “It served at the World Olympics in as a veil to hide my (strugEngland that year. gles). It gave me courage and

Noni

croc corner

of this fascinating if smelly member of the coffee family is still inconclusive, results are encouraging, and our little noni shrub seems to have much to offer human kind.

Lyra Spang is owner/guide of Taste Belize Tours, a unique cultural and culinary tour company. She writes about food whenever she can. tastebelize@gmail.com.▪

L

obsterFest, one of Belize´s most favorite food festivals, is a countrywide reminder (whether conscious or not) of the importance of proper management of our natural resources. I mean, because if the lobsters are gone, there's no fest! It is with this in mind that other conservation issues can be discussed and the entire richness of Belize´s biodiversity can be also celebrated. The Crocodile Research Coalition (CRC) took the opportunity during LobsterFest to not only celebrate community and be thankful for the marine resources that surround us, but also to meet and talk with people about the important issues concerning both species of crocodile in Belize (Crocodylus acutus and Crocodylus moreletii).

crocodiles living in Belize.

They sunk their teeth into conservation expressing a desire to see the survival of these culturally important animals. And at the CRC, we love to educate through various fun games, such as our now famous stomach-content game. People of all ages had a great time deciphering the small objects hidden inside the “crocodile's stomach” (which really is just a mix of Chinese chow mein and animal toys!) to signify the crocodile´s stomach contents!

By reaching your hand into the crocodile's stomach, you could learn about the crocodile´s vast diet preferences, which mainly include small fish, invertebrates, reptiles, birds and mammals. They do, however eat bizarre things, and it is common to also find stones in their stomach for example. These stones help them to crush their food making the digestion process quicker. People were shocked when they learned that crocodiles can also eat other crocodiles! This cannibalistic behavior has been reported and documented in Belize by the CRC (and published in a scientific paper); however, it is not a frequent occurrence.

Sadly, crocodiles can also

We were ecstatic to meet so many community members, both local and countrywide, eager to learn about the two species of See CROC CORNER on page 9

Above Grounds Coffee House Supporting Small Independent Producers

Shade Grown Organic Guatemalan Coffee

Main Road , Past Football (Soccer) Field South End of the Village

7am—4pm Monday to Saturday 7am—Noon Sunday Espresso / Brewed & Iced Coffees - Decaf - Goss Chocolate Drinks Iced Teas - Fresh Juices - Bagels - Breads by the Slice - High Speed Wi-Fi Skype Friendly Coffee by the Lb. Whole Bean or Ground to Order Phone 634 3212

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The Placencia Breeze

July 2018

Placencia Peninsula Moving Towards a Circular Economy Name of Store

Wallen's Hardware (Placencia Village)

By MONIQUE VERNON Outreach Officer Fragments of Hope (FoH)

fohoutreach@gmail.com

Last year, a new recycling initiative pioneered by Eco-Friendly Solutions in partnership with Fragments of Hope and the Placencia Village Council was adopted on the Placencia Peninsula with monthly visits collecting hard plastics and glass bottles to re-purpose into eco-blocks and pavers. This initiative is still ongoing.

Everyday Supermarket (Placencia Village)

Top Value Supermarket (Placencia Village)

What bottles do they accept and in what form?

Guinness, Belikin (flagship & stout), Lighthouse and all soda bottles (Coca Cola, Sprite, etc.), except the new small size sodas.

They only accept bottles that are in crates.

Guinness, Belikin (flagship & stout), Lighthouse and all soda bottles.

You don't have to bring the bottles in a crate.

Guinness, Belikin (flagship & stout), Lighthouse, Land Shark and all soda bottles except the super tall ones.

Bottles don't need a crate.

How much do t h ey p ay f o r bottles?

Unless you provide a receipt (as proof of payment) they will only pay you a percentage of the full value of a full crate (10 BZD).

They only accept bottles from customers (thus a receipt is required) and bottles are reimbursed at 15 cents each.

They only provide store credit (25 cents a bottle - or 11 BZD for a full crate), instead of cash payments for bottles.

Page 9

croc corner the people of Placencia and Belize to join us in Continued from page 5 the effort in keeping our eat plastic objects found in environment, wildlife and the water such as plastic communities healthy and packaging that pick up the clean! scent of fish and chicken.

When the plastic comes CRC is a Belize-based in contact with the stom- non-profit, with a sister ach acids of the animal 501(c) NGO in the United it becomes a plaster-like States called Collective substance which stays in ConSERVation. For more the crocodile´s gut forev- information about CRC’s er. It can cause a blockage, research, wildlife manwhich can eventually lead agement, and educational to death. This is a very outreach activities, head sensitive issue, and the to our website www.crocCRC is working towards odileresearchcoaltion.org keeping our waters plas- and don’t forget to follow tic free through frequent us on social media! ▪ beach clean ups. We ask

Another way to get rid of these bottles and at the same time earn a bit of cash is collecting and returning to local stores in the village.

Generally, stores allow customers to return any glass bottle that was purchased at the store and in return would compensate often with cash, or a credit. ▪

Above: Luis Garcia of Eco Friendly Solutions shows Peter Dacoff (Taste Belize) a brick created from crushed glass bottles. Garcia is marketing the bricks to builders seeking durable material and an eco alternative. Left: Eco Friendly staff demonstrates glass bottle and container grinding at the Placencia Village basketball court. An alternative solution for bottle recycling is to take them to the stores listed in the table above. (Photos: MAYA TROTZ)

Fragments of Hope Hosts Summer Camp tional and environmental activities to build awareness, fohoutreach@gmail.com positive attitude and behaviour, and fostering a new genFragments of Hope held their eration of environfirst-ever Summer Camp mental leaders in session funded by GEF our community.

Small Grants Programme and Hatchet Caye Resort. The session inThe one-week camp en- cluded a number of gaged students from St. topics and related Alphonsus RC School and activities and at the St. John’s Memorial Primary end of the session, School in positive, educa- children were able

By MONIQUE VERNON Outreach Officer Fragments of Hope (FoH)

to differentiate between the mangrove species, understand the concept of the water cycle, describe the importance and functions of mangroves, explain how people affect these systems, and worked with their peers in a positive environment.

See FoH Summer Camp, pg. 11

Hatchet Caye Resort and Wild Orchid Belize along with the GEF Small Grants Programme made the FoH Summer Camp

possible. These sponsors along with the OAK Foundation are also credited with the printing of 2,000 coloring books for FoH.

The Placencia Breeze

Page 10

July 2018

Remembering our Placencia Friends

Judj Obit.

was one of a kind and will be missed by so many.

He was predeceased by his father, Herbert Eiley, Sr. and his mother Dorothy Eiley; ten saw them swinging from tow brothers, Herbert Eiley, limb to limb on the island's Jr. and Anthony "Tonio" Eitrees. Typical Judj answer. ley, one sister, Mrs. Gloria Humes and one son, Kareem If you wanted to have fun on Eiley. a fishing trip or catch blue crabs, Judj was the one to He is survived by his wife of go with. He had the ability to 40 years, Rosalind Eiley, six take fun and a good time to sons: Vince, George "Bena little higher level than the ji", Karel, Kenroy, Kieran average person. I imagine I and Kylon; four daughters: will see him many times in Carol, Kariemah, Kerah and my mind's eyes riding his Kilah; 23 grandchildren and bicycle without wearing a five great-grandchildren. He shirt or cooking at the cayes is also survived by seven wearing nothing but his bi- brothers, Lester "Loggy", kini brief.

Lee, Hubert, Dalton, Edward "Timmy," Elsworth His laughter was infectious "German/Jahman" and Glen and you could not hear him Eiley; four sisters: Antoilaugh without joining in nette Eiley (Canada), Althea yourself. Even after he start- Schable (Placencia), Darlene ed having health problems, Burgess (New York) and he did not miss out on kara- Pearl Eiley (Placencia); and oke night. Music was in his a host of nieces and nephews soul. There is not enough and a world of friends. room in this eulogy nor enough time to say all that May his soul rest in peace can be said about Judj. He and rise in glory. ▪ Continued from page 3

Juan Obit.

Continued from page 3

closure to the situation.

Thanks to those who have taken me in as family. I will not name names, but you know who you are. I could not do this without you guys. Finally, I would like

"So I beg that if there are family beefs and feuds, squash them while you can" − Alex Caducio to Placencia Village

to address an issue that will undoubtedly cloud the rest of my life. My father and I had a falling out, and we hadn’t spoken to each other in over six months. Being that my father and I are stubborn at times and cannot let go of our strong egos, the last words that were said to each other were not pleasant. So I beg that if there are

family beefs and feuds, squash them while you can. I hate to use the cliché that you never know when something might happen to a loved one.

Just pick up the phone say I am so sorry. I was so close. I love you forever, Pops. I know you are up there looking down on us. Please bless my family and the village. ▪

Left: Juan visiting his grandchildren in the States and wearing one of the many Placencia Lobsterfest t-shirts he collected over the years. Right: Juan performing one of his usual goofy stunts for the camera next to his village friend and neighbor Althae Eiley-Schable. The two met in the States before he moved to Placencia. (Photo: Marion Carr/MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHS)

Judj plays the banjo along with his friend Cleveland "CK" Berry on flute. CK passed in July 2012. Judj most recently played live music with The Persuaders Band. (Photo: Berry Family Photo Collection)

LOST BOAT TITLE Notice Requirement for Port Authority: Boat title for Dosky 23-foot, low bow, full-white with red–trimming boat carrying 60 HP twostroke outboard engine with registration number: BZ- 2444 and belonging to Olvero Faux with Placencia Peninsula mailing address, has been lost.

FEATURE

Page 11

Eldest Living Woman in Placencia Village, Emma Westby, Shares Stories of Times Old and New

S

By SHAYLENE TODD

tudy the past to define the future, Chinese philosopher Confucius says. If we listen to the stories of days gone by and recognize the legacy they’ve left, we can understand, remember and learn.

In the indigenous faces of our community, we are reminded of the Maya, who originally made salt from the Placencia lagoon. In the very name of our village, we give ode to the Spaniards that sailed the coast and called this “Pleasant Point”. When we do business with a Garbutt, a Westby, an Eiley, a Cabral or a Leslie, we know we’re shaking hands with the forbearers of the modern-day village. It’s no wonder, then, that as I sat on a roadside porch with Ms. Emma Garbutt Westby, Placencia’s eldest living woman, I knew this was an

Fondly known as “Miss Em” or “Gran”, Emma Westby, at 97 years old is the last surviving of her siblings. Her union with Arthur Westby has produced 23 great grand children most of whom are still living in Placencia.

opportunity to learn from a true matriarch. Placencia is nothing if not a barefoot society, so in the fitting words of popular American news commentator Andy Rooney, it is my humble suggestion that we use “the feet of our elders as our classroom” today.

Born on Feb. 6, 1921 in Punta Negra Village, the lesser known peninsula in southern Belize, “Ms. Em”, or “Gran,” as she’s fondly called by so many, came from a family of eight children. She was the second youngest and is the last surviving of her siblings. Married in 1945 to Arthur Westby, son of Charles Westby, who was one of the first people to climb Victoria Peak, they came to Placencia in 1968. They stayed happily married until his death in 2014 after 69 years together. After returning from service in Scotland during World War II, she recalled with a light chuckle and in her Creole brogue, how Arthur used to walk seven miles to see her when he was pursuing her hand in marriage. Together, they had seven children and from the four surviving, they were blessed with 14 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren, most of whom are still living in Placencia.

A fisherman by trade and the type of man who always carried sweets for the children, Arthur built their home with his own two hands.

Ms.Emma tells me that they “had the same kind of ways” and did “everything together”. He was a man who didn’t go out much and when he did, he took her with him.

That the key to their happiness and longevity as a couple was that they were two peas in a pod and that whatever they had, they shared with others.

This will come as no shock to her relatives and to the local community, as Ms. Emma is known for

Emma Garbutt married Arthur Westby in 1945. They remained happily married until his death in 2014. In 1968 the two moved from Monkey River to Placencia Village where Arthur made a livelihood from fishing and Emma thrived as a matriarch. Arthur walked seven miles to see Emma during their courtship.

The lighthouse at Hunting Caye in the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve was manned by Emma's brother. Each year in the 1970s she and her husband took up to 40 children on a sailboat to the island for a month of fishing, cooking, music and games. It was their home away from Placencia. (Photo: FIONA MCFARLANE)

taking in strays and helping those in need. In her 97 years, she raised numerous kids from broken homes and often provided for ones that otherwise went without.

It was an annual tradition throughout the 70s for Ms. Emma and Arthur, to take as many as 40 kids south on a sailboat to Hunting Caye, where her brother was the lighthouse keeper. They’d occupy the island for a full month, setting lines off the beach for sharks at

night and fishing by day. The guys would clean their catch and the ladies would salt and cure it in the sun. A summer camp of sorts for the local kids, Ms. Emma would cook johnny cakes and breads every morning, they’d fill doreys with conch by day and play musical chairs to the old record players at night. For many, it was a refuge and a home away from home.

Many local elderly people have See MISS EM, pg. 21

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The Placencia Breeze

July 2018

Page 15 PLACENCIA CHAPTER OF THE BELIZE TOURISM INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION 2018 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY

Don’t see your listing? It is time to renew your membership or become a new member!

Join the largest BTIA Chapter in Belize! Contact Placencia BTIA Executive Director Jenria Lozano at 523-4045 or at director@placencia.com

ACCOMMODATIONS A Belizean Nirvana belizeanirvana@gmail.com; 523-3331 or 625-3301 Evan Hall Aqua Oasis dreawoody@gmail.com 623-3286 Aurora Beach abtrudeau@comcast.net 978-580-9455 or 650-8984 Ann & Tom Trudeau Arches /The gin7373@aol.com 479-841-7970; Mark Risk Barnacle Bill’s Beach Bungalows barnacle@barnaclebillsbelize.com 602-7768; Bill & Adriane Taylor Bayshore Limited www.bayshore.bz 604-8910 or 600-1040 Jenny Wildman Belize Ocean Club info@belizeoceanclub.com 671-4500; Thibault Gehin www.belizeoceanclub.com Blue Crab Beach House linnbluecrabbeach@gmail.com; 523-3544 or 523-3543; Kerry Goss & Linn Wilson Blue Garden House info@belizecottagerentals.com 207-326-9099; Costas & Sally Christ Cap’s Inn jbsmfowler@gmail.com 622-1172; Jeffrey & Susan Fowler Captain Jak’s Cabanas theluckyerin22@yahoo.com 523-3561 or 622-7104; Erin Ivy Caribbean Beach Cabanas info@caribbeanbeachcabanas. com; 622-4142 David & Laura Diffendal Casa Beya/Sea Grape Escape info@casabeyabelize.com 970-963-1099 Midge & Aaron Dallas Casa Del Sol rubenvasquez27@gmail.com 628-8514; Ruben Vasquez Casa Laguna Vista windwardproperties@att.net 361-765-8277; David Wallace Casa Nettuno framadani.office@gmail.com; 629-2700 or 660-8526 Mariuccia Levoni Casa Palma casapalma@outlook.com 628-7922; Perfecto Choc Casa Placencia casaplacencia@live.com; 503-3143 or 630-7811 Jacki Tipton

Casa Sunsandsea info@casasunsandsea.com 972-215-7413-866-459-8235 Brian and Brenda Montgomery www.casasunandsea.com Ceiba Beach Resort & Restaurant tom@ceibabeachresort.com 651-6649; Thomas S. Hudson www.ceibabeachresort.com Chabil Mar Villas* information@chabilmarvillas. com; 523-3606 or 523-3611; Chris Rothing Champagne Island Resort info@champagneislandbz.com 615-9979; Jacqueline Lozano www.champagneislandbz.com Coconut Cottage

kwplacencia@yahoo.com; 523-3234 or 626-8425; Kay Westby Coral Cove Inn coralcoveinnbelize@gmail.com 600-9847; Gordon Keith Allen Dolce Cabana nharvalik@gmail.com 604-6214; Nicole Harvalik Finca Villa valchiac@yahoo.com 663-7777; Valeriano Chiac Green Parrot Beach House & Restaurant* greenparrot@mail.com; 533-8188 David Allardice & Leo Ramirez Harbour Hideaway of Placencia jimandcindy@wellerbelize.com; 623-3286; Jim & Cindy Weller Harry’s Cozy Cabanas cozycabanas@yahoo.com; 523-3155 or 633-8581 Ronda Wheeler Hairy Hut/The pj_jensen@hotmail.com 660-7200 / 250-554-0663 Stephen Jensen Hatchet Caye Resort* contact@hatchetcaye.com; 533-4446 or 523-3337; Dasha Shivers Hibiscus Beach Properties 615-3287; Cindy Weller cindy@hibiscusbeachbelize.com www.hibiscusbeachbelize.com Hideaway Caye hideawaycaye@yahoo.com; 665-4069 Kimberly & Dustin Ingersoll Itz'ana Resort & Residence kim@itzanabelize.com 610-3456; Kim Viner Laru Beya Resort* timoteo@larubeya.com 523-3473; Timoteo Mes

Los Porticos Villas reservations@losporticosvillas. com; 523-3227 or 607-4448; Barry Snowden Lost Reef Resort* llr@lostreefresort.com 610-0816; Lisa D’Amore Lydia’s Guest House lydias@btl.net 523-3117 or 627-7970 Lydia Villanueva Maine Stay /The belizekaren@gmail.com; 523-3507; Karen Travers Mariposa Beach Suites* reservations@mariposabelizebeach.com; 523-4474 or 610-4473 Bruce & Sharon Maddison Maya Beach Hotel & Bistro* info@mayabeachhotel.com; 533-8040 or 627-4718; Ellen & John Lee

Rotanda/The candegier@gmail.com 601-8021; Carmen Stowe Sailfish Resort info@sailfishbelize.com 651-9885; Mike Gargan

Placencia Villas & Golf Cart Rentals info@placenciavillas.com 615-6404 or 615-6434 Stephen Jacoby www.placenciavillas.com Ocean’s Edge Beach Houses info@oceansedge-belize.com 514-606-5582 Michael Brauel & Francine Martel Paradise Plantation jerryspiritclub@yahoo.com 633-1162; Jerry Herrera Paradise Vacation Hotel*/** info@belize123.com 523-3179 or 523-3256 Alan & Deloris Stamm Pearl Beach House vb53@centurytel.net 523-3409 or 605-0586; Bud & Betsy Valian; Stefano Ragagnin Placencia Beach House placenciabeachhouse@gmail.com 664-9264 or 632-0545 Lou Nicolait and Joslin Merwin Ranguana Caye info@ranguanacaye.com 523-3304; Valerie Hopson Robert’s Grove Beach Resort */** info@robertsgrove.com; 523-3565 or 523-4367

Barefoot Services info@barefootservicesbelize.com; 523-3066 or 629-9602 Ian & Megs Yearwood CONSTRUCTION & REPAIRS Doran's Services takunchances@yahoo.com 670-4130 Doran Yount CONSULTANTS

Sea Glass Inn* brad_schofield@yahoo.com 523-3098 Brad & Christine Schofield

Barefoot Executive, Ltd. barefootexecutiveltd@gmail.com; 523-3291 Yvette Guild

Seaspray Hotel jodiejjyearwood@gmail.com 523-3148; Jodie Yearwood

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Seaview Suites placenciaseaview@gmail.com 523-3777; John & Marian Chan

Siripohn Thai Massage jenjira01@yahoo.com 620-8718 or 600-0375 Siripohn Thakham

Serenade Hotel info@serenadeplacencia.com 523-3113

Tooth Fairy Dental Clinic toothfairyclinic@gmail.com; 503-3736 or 633-0678; Dr. Dalila Vanzie-Krohn

Singing Sands Inn* info@singingsands.com; 533-3022 or 520-8022; Maya Kramer

Tree of Life Massage Studio smallkristine@yahoo.com; 624-5408 Kristine Small

Miller’s Landing* millersplacencia@yahoo.com Southern Shores Resort 523-3010 or 523-3011 deb@southernshoresresort.com Gary & Ann Miller 615-4182 Deborah Tinsley Miramar Apartments southernshoresresort.com info@miramarbelize.com; 523-3658; Ilsa Villanueva Suites at Three Iguanas www.miramarbelize.com Annelise Hagan Naia Resort & Spa hr@naiaresortandspa.com 523-4600; Stewart Krohn

AUTO RENTALS

633-6599 annelisehagan@hotmail.com

NON-PROFITS Placencia Humane Society 523-3185 or 604-8676 David Kafka, president Rotary Club of Placencia 622-7103 Sandi Johnson, president

Peninsula Volunteer Fire Sunset Pointe Condos Department ewinche713@aol.com; 664-4740; 626-0667 Office Manager, Francisco Kathy Anglin Turtle Inn */** frontdesk@turtleinn.com; 523-3244; Martin Krediet

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

Tradewinds Hotel trdewndpla@btl.net; 523-3122; Janice Leslie

Amik Kil Ha achild17@gmail.com 664-1672 or +(604) 879-0543 Amanda Harris friendlywatersbelize@gmail.com

Vacasa Belize Ltd. (formally Swan Villas) info@swanvillasbelize.org 621-1393 Rodolfo Saenz De Ugante

Belize Sotheby's International Realty info@belizesir.com 523-3309 Kirsin Fisher

Villas at Cocoplum Rental/The booking@thevillasatcocoplumrental.com www.thevillasatcocoplumrental. com; 607-7270; Herbert Kollman

Boris Mannsfeld & Associates info@RealEstatePlacencia.com; 523-3309 Boris Mannsfeld

White House in Placencia/ The info@whitehouseplacencia.com 1-732-829-4042 Kirsten & Per Kristensen White Sand Villa eagleray33@gmail.com; 661-9516 or 602-9315; Tricia Hernandez Wooden Mongoose Resort woodenmongoose@gmail.com 807-708-5869 Jim Bailey & Ellen Yeast www.woodenmongoose.com

CPC Real Estate Solution info@belizeproperty.com; 672-9000 Dan Dunbar & Michael Young Re/Max 1st Choice david@1stchoicebelize.com 631-9622 or 523-3666 David Kafka Please note that some members in our Accommodations listing offer additional services:

*Restaurant **Tour Operator ***Property Rentals

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July 2018

The Placencia Breeze RESTAURANTS, BARS CAFÉS & ENTERTAINMENT

Above Grounds Coffee keithgmorrison@gmail.com 634-3212 Keith Morrison Barefoot Bar barefootbarbz@gmail.com 523-3515 Cassie & Brice Dial Brewed Awakenings brewedawakeningsbelize@gmail. com 635-5312 Ryan & Natalie Dixon Buba Wuba Smoke Shack & Grill finagler53@msn.com 650-9243 Robert Coppock ChaChi's chachipizza@gmail.com 523-3305 De’Tatch Seafood Grill & Bar jodiejjyearwood@gmail.com, 503-3385 or 523-4035, Jodie Yearwood Dolce Vita/ La ladolcevitaplacencia.com@hotmail.com 678-1089 or 523-3115 Simone De Angelis Friends Near the Pier robbcarson.king@gmail.com 667-4805 Robb Carson Jaguar Lanes jaguarlanes4@gmail.com 601-4434 or 629-3145 Manuel Simpson JC's Corner annmarie6362@gmail.com 602-0871 AnnMarie Mena Laru Beya Restaurant & Bar timoteo@larubeya.com 523-3476 Timoteo Mes Mango’s Restaurant info@mangosbelize.com 610-2494 or 651-6649 chunapolonio@yahoo.com tom@ceibabeachresort.com Pickled Parrot adrianalynn37@gmail.com; 636-7068; Lynn and Eugene Upham Rumfish y Vino rumfish@btl.net 523-3293 or 666-6934 Pamela & John Solomon The Shak Beach Cafe magsshak@hotmail.com 622-1686 or 523-3252 Magda Morales

NSAA Bath and Body Tranquilo Restaurant & Bar nsaa.bathbody@gmail.com 663-4276 Over the Water Omitade Adediran avi@marvin.co.il (Israel#) +972-508-810-891 One World Gift Shop Avi Rotem oneworldplacencia@yahoo.com 620-9975 or 523-3103 Tuttifrutti Ice Cream Parlor Claudia Hardegger tizy.lory@virgilio.it 620-9916; Tiziana Del Col Pyramid House Wine & Etc. info@pyramidhousewine.com Wendy's Creole Restaurant 636-5745 523-3335 Fred Hoffman, III Wendy Lemus TOURS SERVICES

AB2 Architects andrea@ab2architects.com 523-8113 or 610-0488 Andrea Bacher www.ab2architects.com GSR Energy Holdings, Ltd. gleneiley@yahoo.com 630-2843 Glenford Eiley

Barefoot Services info@barefootservicesbelize.com 523-3066 or 629-9602 Ian & Megs Yearwood Barebones Tours craig@barebonestours.com 677-9303; Craig Pearlman Blue Reef Adventures polly@bluereefadventures.com 626-1429; Polly Alford

Palmtree Designs muzamanzie@gmail.com 523-3563 or 669-4675 Marion & Ed Carr

Daytripper Catamaran daytrippercatamaran@gmail.com; 666-3117; Jeffrey "Jeff" Scott

Placencia Mini Storage celeste1001@live.com 665-0800 Paul & Celeste Smith

Destinations Belize mtoy@destinationsbelize.com 523-4018 or 610-4718 Mary Toy

SCHOOLS (PIA) Peninsula International Academy peninsulaacademy.org 601-3523 Selena Lucas St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic School Principal Ms. Loris Moreira Vice Principal Monique Guzman 665-3853 or 632-9124 St. John's Memorial Anglican School stjohnsmemorial@gmail.com 610-5502 Lovelia "Lovey" Rowland SHOPPING

Hardcore Fishing Charters ewestby@hfc-belize.com 634-7612 Erwin Westby Placencia Eagle Ray Tours eagleray33@gmail.com 661-9516 or 602-9315 Tricia Hernandez & Rene Leslie Ranguana Caye info@ranguanacaye.com 523-3304 Ms. Valerie Hopson Splash Dive Center divebelizewithsplash@gmail.com 523-3080 Patty Ramirez Sunny Side Tours sunnysidebelize@yahoo.com 610-1040 Warren Garbutt

Added Touch /The addedtouchhotelsupplies@gmail. com Taste Belize 223-1461 or 615-0054 tastebelize@gmail.com; Robin McCutcheon 664-8699 Lyra Spang Goss Chocolate linnbluecrabbeach@gmail.com The Belize Tourism Industry 523-3544 or 523-3542 Kerry Goss & Linn Wilson was formed in 1985 to bring Lola’s Art Gallery lolasartgallery@yahoo.com 523-3342/601-1913

Mermaid Charms jenari_13@yahoo.com 604-1906 or 503-3206 Tipsy Tuna Seaside & Sports Bar Jeanna Casey tipsytuna@outlook.com 523-3089 MnM Hardware Placencia Salva & Gillian Zabaneh duncker@btl.net 523-3517 or 523-3537 Dora Duncker

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS

SHOPPING

together tourism and tourism related interests to meet the challenges of a dynamic and growing industry in Belize. BTIA intended and continues to develop as the accepted and recognized voice of the tourism industry in Belize and provides an important link between public and private sectors. The Placencia BTIA holds the largest membership in Belize.

Allen, Ken & Elizabeth kenallen72@comcast.net 629-5331 Beeman, Dan dbeeman@gmail.com 818-983-5700

Mertens, Wini Palacio, Arreini Morgan arreinipal@seabelize.org 670-2924 Pelayo, Aretha A. arethapelayo@gmail.com 622-7557

Christensen, Steve gringo@btl.net 610-1399

Smith, Stan & Mary stanmary@btl.net 523-4306

Cohen, Howard & Karen howard.cohen@sunnybrook.ca; 622-6695

Van Deurzen, John vandeurzen.bz@gmail.com; 662-0020

Coston, Debbie debcoston@yahoo.com; 624-6483

Westby, Brandon brandonwestby@tropicair.com 631-3553

Gabor, Deborah gringainbelize@gmail.com 628-7004

Wildman, Tanya tanyagster@gmail.com 608-1360

Hess, Christina 523-3344

Wohl, Bill (formerly Slip Stop) slipstop.ca@gmail.com 601-5548

Markham, Patricia Angie McCullock, Maretha maretha.mccullock@gmail.com 615-1300 or 523-3555

Why Join the Placencia BTIA? Here's what we offer!

• A page on the Placencia.com website with complete details of your business, a link to your website and as many pictures as you like.

• A spot on the centerfold map of The Placencia Breeze.

• Your contact information listed under the appropriate business category in the Membership Directory of The Placencia Breeze.

• A feaure story in The Placencia Breeze about your business.

• A discounted listing in the annual Destination Belize magazine.

• Your brochures and literature displayed in the Placencia Tourism Center.

• Referrals to your business given to visitors by the staff of the Placencia Tourism Center.

• BTIA member discounts at participating member businesses.

• Local assistance with renewals of hotel licenses, tour guide licenses, tour operator licenses, sport fishing licenses, etc.

• Discounted pricing on advertising in The Placencia Breeze.

• Email announcements and news from Placencia BTIA. • Opportunity to have your announcements distributed to all Placencia Chapter members.

• Listing on the national BTIA website.

• Consistent and relevant advocacy on behalf of Placencia tourism stakeholders.

HANNUAL BUSINESS MEMBERSHIPS Small 0-10 employees $200.00

Medium 11-50 employees $500.00

Large 51+ employees $1,500.00

HANNUAL INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIPS $100.00

Extra Membership Cards $25.00

Like our Facebook pages and never miss a beat! www.facebook.com/PlacenciaTourismCenterBelize www.facebook.com/PlacenciaSidewalkArtsMusicFestival www.facebook.com/ThePlacenciaBreeze www.facebook.com/PlacenciaLobsterfestBelize www.facebook.com/placenciafishingtournament www.facebook.com/placenciamistletoeball

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New Beach Location Breathes Revitalizing Energy into Lobsterfest

By MARION & ED CARR Volunteer Photographers The Placencia Breeze muzamanzie@gmail.com

Reviews for the 20th Placencia Lobsterfest were all very positive. It may have been hot as ever, but the weather also brought along beautiful calm waters and blue skies, which swimmers, dock divers, boaters, floaters, kayakers and the young Placencia sailors enjoyed immensely. Festival goers loved their stroll down the brand-spanking-new boardwalk at the Point and browsing the vendor stalls selling fresh lobsters off the grill and a variety of more tasty food for all preferences. Other stalls offered fun games for children and adults alike and at the Placencia BTIA booth, Jenria Lozano and her staff sold official Lobsterfest t-shirts and tickets for the grand Lobsterfest raffle drawing. The Placencia Village Council members and their volunteers were busy providing refreshments up until the late hours of the night.

See pages 25 and 29 for entertainment highlights!

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The Placencia Breeze

July 2018

FEATURE

Miss Em " “passed through heaven’s gates” from under her roof, with her caring for them right until the end. Her daughter, Lloydia, tells me that if there was a bunch of grapes, everyone in the household would get a fair share- even if it was only two grapes each. If you weren’t around when they were split up, she’d be sure to save yours for you until you got home.

Having learned to cook from her mother, and with specialties ranging from conch fritters to a double baked potato, she worked as a chef and was one of the first residents of Placencia to receive a social security card. She made contributions through her pay at Placencia Cove, now Chabil Mar, and still receives a small pension from it today.

Never one to shy away from hard work and self-professed as strong, Ms. Emma used to sew clothes for the kids of the community and school uniforms for her children.

She’d take apart used clothing at the seams and piece together new ones with her pedal machine. She recounts how she once saved a man who had a billed turtle clamped onto his leg by heeding her father’s advice and gouging the turtle’s eyes with her fingers until he opened his mouth.

When they received warning about Hurricane Iris in 2001, she prepared as much food as she could while her husband took charge of getting boats to Mango Creek. She tells me how, even though that hurricane would be reported as one of the worst to hit the region, it’s the tropical storm from 1945 that

Take your Bible and read it. Honor your mother and father.

Love your neighbor as yourself. Try to help the old ones that need help and be sure to watch the weather. − Emma Westby's advice for longevity.

"

Continued from page 11

Page 21

stands out the most in her mind as most devastating. Back then, there were no hurricane warnings at all, so their only hint at the impending mayhem was when the tide got sucked out so far they could walk where there was usually water.

Newly married, she recalls how her husband’s hands were raw from holding onto a coconut tree to keep a boat full of her family safe. They lost everything in the high tides and had to rebuild with the relief supplies sent by Britain.

I marvel at the changes she must have seen over the years. How, for example, Placencia was only accessible by boat until the mid80s. Her brother was the Captain of the "Heron H" that ran from Punta Negra, Punta Gorda and Placencia to Belize City in about five hours and how it wasn’t until the early 90s that BEL provided widespread electricity.

As with all things, time takes its toll and she explains that she’s not as nimble as she used to be. Reaping the benefits of a well sewed

Coconut trees of Placencia days long gone tower over the beach. Emma recalled her husband's hands becoming raw from holding onto a coconut tree to keep a boat full of her family safe during a devastating 1945 tropical storm that destroyed southern Belize. (Photo: ROBERT P. L. STRAUGHAN/"My Adventure in Belize", 1975)

life, she now relies on her extensive family and a loving community to take care of her as she always did of others. After years of walking miles to meet her children halfway between their school and home so they could share lunch under a grape tree, she finds her knees are worn. To avoid a fall, she’s often carried by the young men in her family to get where she needs to go. She was out enjoying Lobsterfest two weekends ago, her grand-

The Heron H served as the key transit vessel for passengers and cargo between Belize City and the coastal communities in

southern Belize. Emma Westby's brother captained the famous ship. (Photo: BELIZE MUSIC WORLD.com)

son making it possible by “backing her” around the fest. It’s only in the past year that she has trouble baiting her own fishing hook, however, it was just this month that she was out fishing with her son and grandsons. She still managed to pull in her own catch on the handline and it’s no surprise that her barracuda was the biggest.

Although she’ll tell you she’s ready to go when the good Lord is ready to take her home, she’s very adamant about her secret to such a long, good life and we should all be eager to learn from it. When people ask her, “Ms. Emma, how you live so long?” she replies, “Take your Bible and read it. Honor your Mother and Father. Love your neighbor as yourself. Try to help the old ones that need help and be sure to watch the weather.” ▪ Contributing Feature Writer, Shaylene Todd works as Sales Manager for Itz'ana Resort & Residences in Placencia.

She can often be seen running the road or enjoying a beach day with friends. Reach her at shaylenetodd@gmail.com.

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Placencia Peninsula Guide ACCOMMODATIONS Placencia Villas and Golf Carts: Daily, weekly and monthly rentals.

Eleven comfortable and immaculate studios and apartments in the heart of Placencia Village (next to the "Rumfish" Restaurant), close to restaurants, shopping, banks as well as the beach. Cable TV, free wife, fully equipped kitchenette, private bathroom, fully screened porch, hammocks. Contact owner Steve Jacoby 615-6404 or Jaime Jacoby 615-6434. Email info@ placenciavillas.com Major credit cards accepted. Rates from 129 BZD incl.

Taxes.

Paradise Resort: Has most of the amenities & all the luxury of a large hotel. We are located on the ocean front. 12 A/C rooms. On site full service restaurant & bar, spa by the sea, all eco tours, diving, snorkeling, fishing, North of Airstrip roof top Jacuzzi, Wi-Fi, dive shop, gift shop, kayak and golf cart rental.

Maya & Tropic Air agent. Email: info@belize123.com or give us a call at Laru Beya Resort: Paradise has an address... Luxurious beachfront 523-3179/503-3479 Website:www.belize123.com accommodation with a top-rated restaurant on site. All bedrooms Ranguana Lodge: Five private ocean view cabins located right on the beach have A/C, ceiling fans, fridges, coffee & tea making facilities. Suites (1 in the heart of Placencia Village: We have 3 private air-conditioned beach to 3 bedrooms) have fully fitted kitchens. Ocean-facing infinity pool. cabins each w/ 2 Double beds, fans, large refrigerator, coffee makers, private Free Wi-Fi throughout the resort. Free use of Hobi-cat, sea kayaks and bath w/ hot/cold shower, private balcony w/ a hammock. We also have two bicycles. Miniature golf course located on the landscaped grounds. other cabins with full kitchens, 2 double beds, fans, private bath with hot & Daily tours, snorkeling & diving trips and other excursions arranged. cold shower & tub, private balcony with a hammock. Beach Palapas, beach www.larubeya.com - info@larubeya.com - 523-3473 chairs. Tropic Air agent, Gift shop. Phone/fax at 011-501-523-3112, E-mail: Ranguana@btl.net website: www.ranguanabelize.com SailFish Resort: 6 modern Suites with A/C, TV, Wi-Fi and private baths. 8 Private rooms and 16 Bunks. Pool with swim-up Bar. Starting at $20 US + tax / night. Book online @ www.SailFishBelize.com or 651-9885 Tradewinds: Overlooking the Caribbean Sea & the Mountains of Belize! 9 Cabanas w/ private bath, hot/cold, 2 double beds, fans, coffee maker (coffee provided), refrigerator & veranda w/ hammock.

523-3122 - trdewndpla@btl.net

CHEERS

SERVICES Placencia Office Supply: Business Service – Printing – Faxing – Copies.

Internet. 523-3205 or plaofficesupply@gmail.com

Barefoot Bar: Open every day 11 am to midnight. Located on the beach. Muzamanzie Photography: Contact us for wedding photographs, Live Music Wed, Fri & Sat at 5 pm & Sun at 1 pm. Happy Hour 5 -6 pm. portraits, web & brochure images. 523-3563 or 603-5143 Largest drink menu around. Creative lunch & dinner specials. Known for muzamanzie@yahoo.com Stiff Drinks ~ Tasty Food ~ Good Times! 523-3515. Follow us on Facebook!

J-Byrd’s: Local Bar by the Seaside docks. Open daily from 10am to 12pm.

Pool Table and Free Darts. 523-3412 SailFish Resort: Swim-up bar and pool open to public Wed-Sun @ 12 noon. 18+ only. Must wear appropriate swimwear. Daily drink specials.

Resort setting waterfront on lagoon at Sunset Point. BZ$5 daily pool fee. www.SailFishBelize.com or 651-9885.

SHOPPING

Goss Chocolate: Goss Chocolate and cocoa powder made and sold only in Belize. 100% organically grown Belizean cacao, Belizean cane sugar, whole vanilla bean. Sold in grocery stores, gift shops, hotels and restaurants on the Peninsula and throughout Belize. Sorry, no factory tours! 523-3544, www.Goss-Chocolate.com, BTL Yellow Pages, Facebook. Winner World Chocolate Awards for Goss White with Vanilla Bean.

Wallen’s Market: Hardware and houseware as well as wines, liquors, & select wholesale items. 503-3316 Office: 523-3128. Pharmacy: 523-3346. wallensmarket@yahoo.com. Located just south of BTL office. Serving the penisula for over 30 years!

Page 23

DINING South of Airstrip De’Tatch Seafood Beach Grill & Bar: Serving the very best in Seafood and Local Cuisines. Open Mon-Sunday (Closed on Wed) 7am until 10pm for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (daily and nightly lunch & seafood dinner special). Come Enjoy the Perfect View (beach front), Great food, Great drink and Music to sooth the soul. Internet & Wireless also available. For Info or Take out orders please call: 503-3385 The Pickled Parrot: American Burgers, Sandwiches, Salads and ICE COLD BEER under an open-air thatched roof! Daily BZ$10 specials. Open M, W,TH,F,S with live music every Saturday. Call: 636-7068.

The Shak Beach Café: Placencia's original smoothie spot with fresh fruit smoothies. Try our famous seaweed shake, natural juices, veggie burgers, salads, wraps, hummus, falafel. We serve breakfast all day. Located on the beach at the foot of the main dock. Open 7 to 6. Closed on Tuesday. Call us at 523-3252.

Wendy’s Creole Restaurant & Bar: Fine dining in A/C comfort or outdoor on the Patio. Specializing in Spanish & Creole. Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch & dinner 7am - 10pm. Located on the Main Road. Visa & MC accepted. 523-3335 - wendylemus02@hotmail.com

North of Airstrip Laru Beya Restaurant & Bar: International Fine Dining with Belizean flair. Experience delicious meals, fabulous cocktails and fantastic service combined with spectacular ocean views. Breakfast served from 7 to 11 am.

Lunch served from 12 to 2 pm. Happy hour from 4 to 6 pm. Dinner served from 6 to 9 pm. For reservations call 523-3476.

Splash Dive Center: Selected Tour Operator of the Year by the Belize Tourism Board. Fully equipped scuba retail store and 5 Star PADI Dive Center. Our 5 dive boats visit several dive and snorkel destinations daily.

We teach scuba diving from beginner to pro level. Our air conditioned vans and licensed guides will take you to Maya sites, Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve, ziplining, cave or river tubing, or the Monkey River jungle. Call 523-3080/3058 or e-mail Patty at patricia@splashbelize.com. See www. splashbelize.com for more info.

TOUR PROVIDERS

REAL ESTATE

Trip N Travel: Inland Jungle Tours – Monkey River Magic. 660-7189 lgodfrey@btl.net. Located on Main Street & Bruk Pat in Placencia Office Belize Sotheby’s International Realty: Our firm is a full service real estate Supply. company offering real estate sales, vacation rentals, as well as property management. The country of Belize has many great opportunities and offers a very beautiful landscape both on the islands and on the mainland.

Belize also offers many investment benefits. Our team of Belize experts will be happy to assist you in enhancing your Belize experience. 523-3309 info@ belizesir.com Boris Mannsfeld & Associates: Our loyalty to our client’s best interest has established us as the top real set firm in the region. Our expert team is ready and excited to guide you step–by–step in finding the perfect property or securing a successful sale or investment. If you or your customers are seeking exceptional service, proven experience, professionalism, and the know-how and determination to get things done then look no further. Even though we specialize on the Placencia peninsula, we have a reliable network of real estate firms and developers throughout Belize with whom we can collaborate to provide you with real estate options across this beautiful country. Give us a call at Ph.523-3063 or Email:Info@RealEstatePlacencia. com.

CPC Real Estate Solutions: Your trusted real estate broker in Belize. We have over 20 years experience helping clients with their real estate transactions and take pride in assisting you with your property purchase. Please drop into our office for a free map of Belize, and no obligation answers to all your real estate questions. We’re located in the heart of the village, across from the Atlantic Bank. 672-9000 or belizeproperty.com RE/MAX 1st Choice Belize: RE/MAX the worldwide leader in real-estate is here so look no further. RE/MAX 1st Choice Belize is here to help educate you on the market. Whether you are buying or selling no one knows more and has a better reputation than us. Call the office at 523-3666 or email at info@1stchoicebelize.com The Placencia Peninsula Guide features paid listings. Contact our office at 523-4045 or accounts@placencia.com for pricing information.

Page 24

The Placencia Breeze

July 2018

Page 25

Getting Fishy at Lobsterfest!

By MARION and ED CARR

Crowds lined the Placencia Municipal Pier on Saturday during weigh-in time at the Placencia Lobsterfest Fishing Tournament. (Left) Warren Garbutt, Jr. poses with his winning barracuda that won him the "Junior Angler" prize. He is joined by his Sunnyside crew mates including Charlenne who won the "Best Female Angler" prize.

(Right) Fisherman aboard Team Supreme looks at the weight of his winning "Largest Barracuda."

Left: Captain Kevin Modera and loyal crew mates aboard Bad Tide collect their prizes for placing second, catching the "Largest Kingfish" and winning a default Grand Slam prize.

Below: Young boy examines an ineligible, but massive red snapper caught by the crew aboard Emma-Jades.

The Placencia Lionfish Roundup brought in a total of 90 predators to shore on the first day of Lobsterfest. Boat Ambitious won first prize with a total of 54 lionfish weighing a total of 29 pounds. Second was Boat Courageous catching 31 fish weighing a total of 17 pounds. Boat Researcher caught just five fish weighing a total of 2.5 pounds. Sponsors included Southern Environmental Association, Fragments Of Hope, Hatchet Caye and Wild Orchid Resort, the Placencia Tour Guide Association and the PVC.

Above: Veteran scuba instructor and boat captain Patu Young explains fishing tournament rules to spectators. Far right: Winning "Largest Jack" by Team Bait.

The Placencia Breeze

Page 26

LA Doctor and Husband Bring Medical Team to Southern Belize; Over 700 Patients Examined the better days of her native Hualien in Taiwan. She explained that Hualien has suffered from mass tourism and industrial development and is no longer the same.

By SARAH ALY Contributing Writer sarah.aly@hotmail.com

On June 26, the ABC Medical Mission Team organized

by Mr. Terry Tao and Dr. Mary Tao of California, set up a pop-up clinic at the Placencia Community Center, offering villagers free checkups and medical care.

The team also visited Independence, Golden Stream and Seine Bight Villages.

Hailing from Los Angeles, Dr. Mary Tao, a pediatrician with a sparkling personality inspired 50 doctors and students from her home state to follow her to Placencia to volunteer for this mission along with her husband.

The Tao family visited Placencia for the first time in 2013 after being encouraged by a Belizean nurse in California to snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef instead of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. While exploring the Peninsula, Dr. Tao says couldn’t help but notice how much Placencia resembled

FoH Summer Camp Continued from page 9

Coloring BOOKS: The second edition of More corals=More Fish is hot off the press, with seven new sketches by local artist Anton Leslie. Over 1000 copies of the first edition were distributed to primary schools throughout Belize (2015-2017), and this year with funding from

Her four clinics conducted this year saw over 700 patients, some of whom waited over four hours to meet the doctors! There were several striking cases including that of a patient who was found to be suffering from critical appendicitis. In Golden Stream, they discovered that the majority of kids were afflicted with parasites coming from the untreated river water they drink. Although the team was happy with the medical help they could offer, they left Belize wishing they could have done more.

For this reason, the Taos are also exploring opportunities to build a hospital in southern Belize to make medical care more accessible.▪

Since that first visit, she and Mr. Tao became hooked on Placencia and determined to plan and implement projects that would be beneficial for both Belize’s natural environment and its people. Over the past five years, they have built a strong bond with the members of The Placencia Cooperative, helping them with their seaweed farming endeavors among other projects. When they heard of the untimely death of Placencia seaweed farmer and good friend Terrence "Hut" Lammey, Dr. Tao took action and Link to their blog: http:// set up the first medical clinic agapebelizecureblog.weein 2017. bly.com/

Belize Ocean Club's Philanthropic Program Donation Stuns PHS

Belize Ocean Club General Manager Gary Costello presents check exceeding BZ$4K to Placencia Humane Society board members. The resort makes charitable donations to deserving non-profits on the Peninsula by donating BZ$2 from each room booking and additional dollars matched by guests.

accommodation is rented, BOC donates US$1.

The guest is encouraged to match the amount.

By PATRICIA CELENZA Placencia Humane Society Press Officer placlibr@btl.net

Medical team attends to patients at free clinic. (Photo: SARAH ALY)

GEF-SGP/OAK Foundation and Hatchet Caye/Wild Orchid another 2000 coloring books will be printed and distributed to primary school children. Contact us if you would like to contribute to additional printings, since we recently learned from the Ministry of Education there were over 64,000 students in primary school 2017-2018 school year! The PDF is also available to download from fragmentsofhope.org,

teacher’s corner tab.▪ Monique Vernon is a new member of the FoH team.

A native of Placencia Village, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management from the University of Belize (2016). She carries extensive experience with youth and schools and worked with FoH in 2017 implementing the Sandwatch program. FoH is dedicated to employing local coastal community members.Reach Monique Vernon at fohoutreach@gmail.com.

July 2018

At the end of the month, the dollars are tallied, and the money is donated to designated local non-profit organizations. Brilliant, right?!

PHS was the lucky recipient of BOC’s generosity for March 2018.

Belize Ocean Club (BOC) General Manager Gary Costello stopped by the Placencia Humane Society building during our June board meeting, and delivered a check to PHS.

According to Costello, Bill Poston’s commitment to giving back to our community is firm. “Bill never asked what should be done, or how. He simply said, “This is what we are doing.”

Each one of the board members, David Kafka, Judy Roberts, Kitty Burgh, Melanie Wilcher and Patricia Celenza held that check in their hands, stunned by the amount, BZ$4,702.50!

Melanie and Patricia wanted to cry!

Placencia Humane Society thanks you, Belize Ocean Club, for profoundly assisting us in fulfilling our mission of providing professional and compassionate care to all pets in our community. ▪

Follow the Placencia HuThis check reflected BOC’s mane Society on Facebook Philanthropic Program at for the latest updates and rescue missions! Check on work in our community. clinic dates for your beBZ$4,702.50 is an enor- loved furries and discover mous donation, and it ex- adoption opportunities! ceeds PHS’ most successful fundraiser! That amount could sustain the Seine Bight Outreach and Feral Cat Programs for almost five months!

The brainchild of BOC Owner Bill Poston, the BOC Philanthropic Program goes like this: For each day an

Page 27

OPINION: People Needing Service Dogs Deserve Your Empathy impairments to have the peace of mind of having their service dogs at their side.

By Serena Kafka Placencia Humane Society Volunteer serena@1stchoicebelize.com

I

t’s crucial that we have an understanding of the different types of animals that can be of service to us and to not take advantage of those who need this help most. Here in Belize, we are home to various people from all over the world. It’s our duty to make sure that everyone feels like they can make their home here permanent.

Because of people taking advantage of this, many businesses here in Belize are not allowing service dogs to be able to be at the owner’s side. It’s an extremely grave risk to not have your service dog at your side when you have an illness or impairment.

The next time your intentions don’t align with the regulations, please think of the people who actually need this. The people who if they don’t have their service animals next to them, could end up being in a life or death situation.

Now, there might be things that people can’t bring from their native countries, but one thing we can always count on is our furry friends.

We’re talking about two types of service animals today: service dogs and emotional support dogs.

Emotional support dogs provide comfort and support in forms of affection and companionship for an individual suffering from various mental and emotional conditions.

While service dogs perform tasks, emotional support dogs are not required to perform anything but affection and unconditional love.

Please notify your airline, as different airlines require different things to be able to bring your service dog/ emotional support dog on board.

If you have a disability that limits one or more major life activities, you are entitled to a service dog.

They can work or perform tasks for you, that you’re not able to. You are never required to disclose what your disability is to anyone, and nobody is allowed to ask about your disability.

In conclusion, the main point to take away from this is so that we can raise awareness to the important role of these dogs. We also want to let people try and grasp the importance of not taking advantage of a “free ride” for your animal when there are serious people in need.▪

No business, apartment, or airline can charge you extra fees in order to have your service dog at your side. That requirement mentioned above is something that people take advantage of. Pretending, and taking advantage of this is something very important that is hindering people who actually have physical or mental

Serena Kafka has been visiting Placencia since 2007 and moved to the Peninsula with her family in 2010 when she was 11. After spending some time between Belize and the USA she now works at RE/MAX 1st Choice as their marketing coordinator. She is a self professed animal lover and intends to use her time in Placencia to support defenseless furry creatures through her awareness building work with PHS.

4 LANES

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Open 2pm - until Open Every Day On the Main Road Maya Beach

Awesome Pizza Nachos, Burgers & More Dine In or Take Out Call to order 601-4434 Fun Covered Party Deck Full Bar & Family Fun BOOK YOUR PARTY HERE!

629-3145

Festival Calendar & National Public & Bank Holidays February 2019: Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival: TBA Lobster Season Closes: Feb. 15 March 2019: Flaming Heart Ball Fire Department Fundraiser Maya Day: TBA La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge (Cayo): TBA National Heroes and Benefactors Holiday: March 12 April 2019: Holy Thursday: April 18 Good Friday: April 19 Holy Saturday: April 20

April 2019: Easter Sunday: April 21 May: 2019 Labour Day: May 1 Sovereign's/ Commonwealth Day Holiday: May 24 June 2019: Battle Cancer Walk TBA Placencia Lobsterfest: TBA Rotary Duck Race at Lobsterfest Conch Season Closes (date dependent on quota requirements)

September 2018: Placencia Yamaha Marelco Saltwater Fishing Tournament: Sept 8 & 9 St. George’s Caye Day Holiday: Sept 10 Flag Raising Ceremony and Party: Sept 9 Belize Independence Day Holiday: Sept 21 Placencia Carnival Parade: Sept 21 October 2018 Conch Season Opens: Oct. 1 Pan-American Day Holiday: Oct 15 Belize Birding Festival: Oct 25-28 November 2018 Garifuna Settlement Day Holiday: Nov 19 December 2018 End of the World Marathon: Dec 9 Mistletoe Ball: Dec 15 Placencia Christmas Boat Parade: TBA Christmas Eve Christmas Parade: TBA Christmas Day Holiday: Dec 25 Boxing Day Holiday: Dec 26

The Placencia Breeze

Page 28

Paved Road Continued from page 1 Prime Minister of Belize who committed to securing funding for a road improvement project.

Taking advantage of the publicly available 24 feet, side leeways became part of the widening process. This saw the alteration of some roadside properties that had encroached on the six-foot wide spaces; however, for the most part, Villanueva said most villagers were very cooperative. “It’s been a lot of headache, but this is a step up. It’s been a huge accomplishment for us,” she said.

The Government of Belize through its Ministry of Works contracted top dogs for the job.

Well known infrastructural development company Cisco Construction, Ltd. along with the Peninsula’s own A. L. Construction Company, Ltd. gave the road the major facelift we see today.

Sensitive to pedestrian safety, the PVC have been conducting their own fundraising campaign to build a sidewalk along the

western side of the road that already winds its way down from across the Lighthouse Worship Center to the Social Security Office as of press time. At the end of construction it should end at the Pier.

Paving the road has opened up several challenges for the PVC, but Villanueva said they are determined to tackle them with proper planning. “We have to plan. As one of the later booming tourism destinations, we are lucky that we have that advantage.” This commitment to thinking ahead includes designing a traffic plan to address speeding concerns by implementing road signs instead of costly speed bumps and handle traffic congestion; especially regarding delivery trucks.

How can you help? Placencia villager Therese Westby launched a Go Fund Me page on behalf of the PVC where you can donate towards sidewalk construction. Visit: https:// www.gofundme.com/placencias-new-sidewalk In the meantime, SLOW DOWN! Please note that the speed limit on the Peninsula is 25 MPH and 15 MPH in high traffic areas. ▪

July 2018

School of "High Seas" Managed Access, Uncut

By HELEN GORDON Education and Science Assistance Officer, SEA gordonhelen31@gmail.com

“

A positive attitude and an open mind are characteristics of all good fishermen,” says Ulimosoa Fata.

Have you ever pondered on the effort it took to catch that delectable fried snapper on your dinner plate? Belize is home to men of many trades but the one occupation we tend to overlook is that of fishermen! June 1 marked the commencement of an entire month of celebrating fisherfolk in Belize, so the Southern Environmental Association (SEA) geared up a list of activities to celebrate all month long!

One of these many activities included a boat-to-boat outreach activity, in which some of SEA’s marine protected areas staff had the honor of a knowledge exchange on the Managed Access Program with some of the fishermen in Belize's southern waters.

The team, comprised of five SEA staff and representatives from The Belize Fisheries Department and the European Union (EU) Project stopped at each boat within the vicinity of South Water Caye Marine Reserve and the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve to deliver maps, refreshments, fish identification cards and review catch logs. In total, over the four-day period, over 69 fishermen were encountered.

This activity, funded by the European Union (EU), is a part of a larger project titled “Restoring Fisheries in the Meso-American Barrier Reef System”, which includes partners such as the Belize Fisheries Department, the Belize Audubon Society and the Toledo Institute for

Development and the Environment.

Knowledge sharing helps to build a solid relationship between fishermen and organizations such as SEA. These fishermen are our eyes on the open seas and dedicate much needed time and effort to their trade. SEA is appreciative for all the effort which fishermen have put towards sustainable fishing and hope that we can continue working together for the improved management of our marine resources.

SEA takes this time to remind fishers to turn in all Data Catch Log Books to SEA Rangers or SEA Office as soon as possible.▪

SEA and Belize Fisheries Department staff share Managed Access information and fish identification cards with local fishermen from Area 3 at Buttonwood Caye.

Page 29

Music, Games & Entertainment Keep Smiles Shining at Lobsterfest

By MARION and ED CARR

Wendy's Restaurant captured first prize in the Lobsterfest Cookoff Competition (dish above). Asha's Culture Kitchen of Punta Gorda placed second and Big Beck's of Placencia, third. Left: Asha, Wendy and "Big Beck."

Pannerifxx Steel Drum Band play under the main tent while Garifuna drummers from Seine Bight Village entertain at the end of the boardwalk. Creole drummer Emmeth Young plays his drum at the entrance of the festival by the Placencia Municipal Pier showing off new skills picked up from his recent six-month apprenticeship in Guinea, West Africa. Look out for Emmeth's Belize-Africa fusion album!

No shortage of Belize's Caribbean spiny tail lobsters at this year's Lobsterfest. Lobsters here have no claws and most of the meat is in the tail.

Placencia BTIA Executive Director Jenria Lozana and Accounts Officer Shanice Westby selecting lucky winners in the Placencia Lobsterfest Raffle. Prizes included round-trip tickets to the USA.

Tipsy Tuna bartender, Augustine Sam, celebrates his victory in the Old Master Rum Punch Competition. Young boy spends his time at the fair games stalls for his chance to win a toy prize.

DJ Dalla, Jago and Placencia's own DJ Boneyfide were among those who kept the crowds dancing all over the festival grounds throughout the weekend. Dalla also assisted the Placencia BTIA staff with MC-ing live contests and games.

Page 30

The Placencia Breeze

Transportation Information De Express Boat - 626-8835 - Tickets available at Barefoot Beach Bar

& Placencia Tourism Center Office • Departs Friday’s: From Placencia Municipal Pier - 9:00 a.m.

Arrives Big Creek 10 a.m. Departs - 11:00 a.m. Arrives Puerto Cortez, Honduras, 2 p.m. at Laguna.

• Returns Monday’s: Departs Puerto Cortez, Honduras 11:30 a.m. Arrives Big Creek 12 noon. Departs - 1:30 p.m.

Arrives Placencia 2:45 p.m.

Hokey Pokey Boat - 667-1821 or 665-7242 • Placencia (MnM Dock) → Independence/Mango Creek: Everday: 6:45 a.m., 7:45 a.m., 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. (except on Sundays) • Independence/Mango Creek → Placencia: Everday: 6:30am, 7:30 a.m., 8a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 2:30pm, 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. (except on Sundays) Ritchie’s Bus - 631-7751 or 523-3806 Regular Bus: • Placencia → Dangriga (10 BZD): Monday - Saturday: 7 a.m., 12:45 p.m and 2:30 p.m.

Sundays: 2:30 p.m.

• Dangriga → Placencia: Monday - Saturday: 11 a.m., 2 p.m.; 4:30p.m and 6:15 p.m.

Sundays: 11 a.m. and 6:15 p.m.

Express Bus, Monday - Saturday: • Placencia → Dangriga → Belmopan → Belize City (20 BZD): Monday - Friday: 6:15 a.m. and *2:30 p.m. (*not express) • Belize City → Belmopan → Placencia: Monday - Saturday: 3:30 p.m.

James Bus Line: Regular Bus: • Belize City → Belmopan → Dangriga → Independence → Punta Gorda

Community Contacts & Info Placencia Tourism Center +(501) 523-4045 Emergencies • • • • • • •

Police: 503-3142 Fire: 503-3222 Emergency Response Team: 223-3292 Placencia Medical Center: 503-3326 or Dr. Kevin Guerra: 615-1571 Seine Bight Medical Center: 523-3328 Independence Medical Center: 523-2167 Dr. Alexis Caballero: 622-7648

Placencia Peninsula Services • • • • • • • • •

Placencia Village Council: 523-3396 Placencia Water Board: 523-4036 Placencia Sanitation: 523-3273 Placencia Post Office: 503-3104 Seine Bight Village Council: 523-3660 Seine Bight Water Board: 523-3554 U.S. Warden, Stann Creek Rural: Bill Taylor, 602-7768 Placencia NAR-ANON: 664-8699 Placencia AA: 620-2848

Placencia Humane Society Contact Emergency Numbers • PHS: 604-8676

6.15 am

7.30 am

9.15 am

10.45 am

12.45 pm

7.15 am

8.30 am

10.15 am

11.45 am

1.45 pm

8.15 am

9.30 am

11.15 pm

12.45 pm

2.45 pm

9.15 am

10.30 am

12.15 pm

1.45 pm

3.45 pm

10.15 am

11.30 am

1.15 pm

2.45 pm

4.45 pm

12.15 pm

1.30 pm

3.15 pm

4.45 pm

6.45 pm

1.45 pm

3.00 pm

4.45 pm

6.00 pm

7.45 pm

• Animal Medical Centre (Belize City) 223-3781, 223-0251

3.15 pm

4.00 pm

6.15 pm

7.45 pm

9.45 pm

• Doctor Lopez: 670-5363

• Punta Gorda → Independence → Dangriga → Belmopan → Belize City 3.50 am

6.00 am

7.30 am

9.15 am

10.30 am

4.50 am

7.00 am

8.30 am

10.15 am

11.30 am

5.50 am

8.00 am

9.30 am

11.15 am

12.30 pm

7.50 am

10.00 am

11.30 am

1.15 pm

2.30 pm

9.50 am

12.00 pm

1.30 pm

3.15 pm

4.30 pm

11.50 pm

2.00 pm

3.30 pm

5.15 pm

6.30 pm

1.50 pm

4.00 pm

5.00 pm

6.45 pm

8.00 pm

2.50 pm

5.00 pm

5.45 pm

7.15 pm

8.30 pm

3.50 pm **

5.45 pm **

7.00 pm **

8.30 pm **

9.30 pm **

Express Bus: • Belize City → Belmopan → Dangriga → Independence → Punta Gorda 5.15 am

6.30 am

7.45 am

9.00 am

10.30 am

3.45 pm*

5.00 pm*

6.15 pm*

7.30 pm*

9.00 pm*

• Punta Gorda → Independence → Dangriga → Belmopan → Belize City 6.00 am*

7.30 am*

8.30 am*

9.45 am*

10.45 am*

** (except Saturday) * (except Sunday)

BEBB BUS LINE (Stops at Hopkins): • Dangriga → Placencia: Leave 5:30 a.m. | Arrive 7:00 a.m.

Leave 8:30 a.m. | Arrive 10:00 a.m.

• Placencia → Dangriga: Leave 10:30 a.m. | Arrive 12:00 noon → Connect to 12:30 p.m.

James to Belize City Leave 5:30 p.m. | Arrive 7:00 p.m. → Connect to 7:30 p.m.

James to Belize City ADO: • Leaves from Belize City at 7:30 p.m. to Tulum, Playa Del Carmen and Cancun, Mexico.

• Tickets must be purchased at bus terminal in Belize City.

July 2018

• Doctor Orlando Baptist: 620-1099 • Doctor Mia Canton: 671-1356 (office), 610-1356 (cell),

stanncreekanimalhospital@gmail.com

• Hopkins Humane Society (Joseph): 667-5432 • Doctor Floyd Bennett: 605-5822

Information on Placencia Peninsula Churches • Calvary Chapel of the Placencia Peninsula: Meeting in Seine Bight Village. Sunday Services: 10:30 A.M. and 6:30 P.M. (Sunday School provided). Wednesday: Men’s and Women’s Bible Study 6:30 P.M. Friday: Youth Group - 5:30 P.M. Non denominational Church - Call Pastor Jim Mensie 523-3362 • Ministries of the Son of God Church, Seine Bight Village: Wednesday Bible Studies -6:30 pm, Thursday Youth Choir Practice - 6:30 pm, Friday Youth Night - 6:00 pm, Saturday Adult Choir Practice - 6:30 pm, Sunday Service - 8:30 am & Sunday Night Service - 6:30 pm. Reverend Don Palmer. Phone 523-3301 or email cbelize@btl.net • Placencia Fellowship: All are welcome…Come as you are! Biblebased learning, worshiping and following Christ. We meet Sundays at 10:30am. Call 667-4805 or visit “Placencia Church” on Facebook for this week’s location.

• Seine Bight Catholic Church: Services Sundays 8:30 a.m. Seine Bight Village. Lay Ministers Catholic (lay) - Elaine Castillo 6235004 or Florita Palacio 635-6612 • Lighthouse Worship Center: Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m.

Services: Sunday 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Non Denominational - Pastor Moore 523-3333 • Lighthouse Worship Center: Spanish Service: Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays at 7:00pm • Seventh Day Adventist: Services Fridays at 6pm; Saturdays 9am Lay ministers. U. Torres 503-2270 • St. John’s Memorial: Placencia Anglican (Episcopal) Church: Sunday services at 8:30 a.m.

Peninsula Happenings! Weh di goh aan?!

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Pickled Parrot

ART BAR: Every 3rd Monday at 3PM. Come empty handed and walk away with a piece of art! 636-7068

SailFish Resort

Daily drink specials, open noon – sundown. 18 years and older.

Tipsy Tuna

Martini Monday! We have martini specials all day! Live low key music with Karl & Gram, 6-10 p.m. Pizza Night!

Turtle Inn

Indonesian Rijsttafel Dinner 523-3244

Rotary Club of Placencia

Meeting at 12:30pm 622-7103 at Pickled Parrot

SailFish Resort

Daily drink specials, open noon – sundown. 18 years and older.

Barefoot Bar

TRAVELLERS TUESDAY – Select Travellers Rum Just $3 from 5 to Close!!! 523-3515

Tipsy Tuna

Mojito Tuesday! We have mojito specials all day!

Barefoot Bar

FUN & FUNKY Jam Session Starts 5pm! Visiting musicians welcome! 523-3515

Mariposa Restaurant

Free Yahtzee dice game starts 3 pm 523-4474

Rotary Club of Placencia

senior programm at the Placencia Comunity Centre 1 - 3:30 pm

Tipsy Tuna

Wings Wednesday! We have $1 Wings all day! Garifuna Drumming 7-9 p.m!

SailFish Resort

NO POOL FEE 18 & OLDER, open noon – sundown.

Barefoot Bar

DIRTY THURSDAY! 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tell a dirty joke and get the shot of the day for free! 523-3515

Pickled Parrot

TRIVIA THURSDAY! 6 p.m. Prizes and free jello shots! 636-7068

Sailfish Resort

T-SHIRTS 25% OFF 18 & OLDER, open noon – sundown.

Turtle Inn

Indonesian Rijsttafel Dinner 523-3244

Cha Chi's

CALL 523-3305

Tipsy Tuna

Tipsy Thursday! Sushi Specials all day! Karaoke with Karl & dancing DJ Swagg, 9 p.m. - 2 a.m!

Jaguar Lanes

WINGS NIGHT - OPEN EVERYDAY 2P.M. - UNTIL

Yoli’s Bar

The LOST REEFERS - Live acoustic music - 4 pm 662-4885

Barefoot Bar

FRIDAY

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Live Caribbean Music w/ Bad Boy Rudy at 5 pm! $1 Local Bitters ALL DAY LONG! "They good fi dih bak!" 523-3515

Turtle Inn

Silent Movie Night featuring Buster Keaton 523-3244

Rotary Club of Placencia

BINGO 6 pm at the Flying Pig

Mango's

Live Music 6:00pm to 9:00pm

Cha Chi's

CALL 523-3305

Tipsy Tuna

Margarita Madness! We have margarita specials all day! Free Zumba Dance Party 7-9 p.m. or Live Rock Music with The Unemployables 5-9 p.m!

Street Feet Lounge & Night Club Bringing in Belize’s Hottest DJ’s!!! Open 10 pm til 3 am!!! 523-3515 SailFish Resort Barefoot Bar

SATURDAY

Daily drink specials, open noon – sundown. 18 years and older.

Barefoot Horseshoe Tournament at 4 p.m. Cash + Bar Tab Prizes. 523-3515 Live Rock + Alternative + Reggae music, 5-9 p.m 523-3515

Sailfish Resort Belize

Daily drink specials, open noon – sundown. 18 years and older.

Pickled Parrot

LIVE MUSIC! 6 p.m. by The Usual Suspects! P. 636-3089

Cha Chi's

CALL 523-3305

Tipsy Tuna

Seaside Saturday! We have daiquiri specials all day! Live music and/or DJ Swagg!

Street Feet Lounge & Night Club Bringing in Belize’s Hottest DJ’s!!! Open 10 pm til 3 am!!! 523-3515

SUNDAY

Barefoot Bar

Daytime Beach Party & BBQ w/ Live Caribbean Music w/ Tropical Vibes from 1 to 6 pm! 523-3515

Sailfish Resort Belize

Bloody Mary Special, open noon – sundown. 18 years and older.

Turtle Inn

2 for 1 Pizza 523-3244

Cha Chi's

CALL 523-3305

Tipsy Tuna

$200, 2nd place $100, 3rd place $50. Specials on L&R Rums & Hyper Vodka.

Belize Ocean Club

Sunday Pool Parties! Party DJ, great food and drinks!

J-Dee’s Restaurant & Bar

Karaoke 8 p.m. to midnight. 503-3351

Laru Beya Restaurant and Bar Turtle Inn

EVERYDAY

L&R Liquors 6x6 Beach Volleyball Tournament! $20 Registration Fee by noon. 1st place

Tipsy Tuna Mango's Barefoot Bar SailFish Resort

International Fine Dining with Belizean flair. Breakfast served from 7 to 11 am. Lunch served from 12 to 2 pm. Happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. Dinner served from 6 to 9 pm. 523-3476 Happy Hour 4-6 p.m. ½ off Local Beer and Rum Happy Hours 5-7pm! $1 Wings, $2 OFF Coladas & Daiquiris, $3 Local Rum, $4 Local Beer & $4.50 Guinness. Ph: 523-3089 Happy Hour 2:00pm to 5:00pm Stiff Drinks - Tasty Food - Good Times! Come chill with us on the beach! Happy Hour 5-6 p.m. $2 OFF Local Rum Drinks including Coladas and Daiquiris. 523-3515 POOL BAR Open to the Public at noon. 18 years and older.

The Placencia Breeze

July 2018